Welcome to Mr. Wilson's Geography/ Georgia History Website

My name is Joe Wilson and I am very excited to be your Georgia History teacher this year! This is my third year as a Liberty Middle School Patriot... previously I was an educator in Fulton County for fifteen years. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Teaching degree in Social Studies Education. Prior to my college jaunt, I served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman and close-quarters battle instructor and have lived in many different places around the world. I began my career in education teaching 7th grade Social Studies and Reading at Northwestern Middle School in Alpharetta. After being there for a year I moved to Elkins Pointe Middle School in Roswell when it opened in 2001. At Elkins Pointe I have taught 6th and 7th grade Geography (on-level and gifted), 7th grade Reading, 8th grade Georgia History (on-level and gifted) and have served as the Social Studies Department Chair. I am a 8th generation Georgia native and still have many relatives in the Spalding, Henry, Coweta and Fayette County areas. Some of my hobbies and interests include painting, cooking, collecting and reading antique books, and traveling locally (particularly Savannah, Ga.). I currently live in Forsyth County with my beautiful wife, Angela (a teacher at Sharon Elementary), and our daughter, Natalie and son, Porter.

Academically speaking, communication is regarded as the largest problem between teachers and parents. This website in designed with student achievement and parent involvement in mind. First, and foremost, I emphasize rigor and quality in my classroom instruction. I have set very high expectations for all students and I believe each student can, and will, achieve the highest degree of success. I have recognized over the years that learners have different learning styles which require me to vary instructional strategies to ensure that each will be successful. Furthermore, my course of instruction provides a challenging curriculum that is current, relevant, and demanding. This challenging atmosphere combined with the highest of expectations will prepare students for high school and for life in the 21st century. I strongly believe that education is a "family affair." Therefore, it is always helpful when there is interest at home in student activity and progress in the class. Inquire often to what your son or daughter is talking about or studying in Social Studies. Encourage him or her to understand that history is indeed "his or her history". It is my wish that each student has a successful year. If we work together, success is assured.

Photography by the lovely and talented Miss Isabel Allen, Milton High School Class of 2017